End effectors and systems including colorimetric wear indicator

ABSTRACT

End effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide visible indicia of a wear state of the end effectors are described.

SUMMARY

In an aspect the present disclosure provides an end effector for a facebrush, generally including a chamber containing one or more beadsdisposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and an optically clearwindow that separates the interior portion from an outside environment,wherein at least one of the one or more beads and an interior area ofthe interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motion ofthe one or more beads.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for facialgrooming generally including an appliance including a motor; and an endeffector coupleable to the motor and configured to receive motion fromthe motor, the end effector including a chamber containing one or morebeads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and an opticallyclear window that separates the interior portion from outsideenvironment, wherein at least one of the one or more beads and aninterior area of the interior portion have a coating configured toabrade with motion of the one or more beads.

This foregoing summary is provided to introduce a selection of conceptsin a simplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top-down plan view of an end effector in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1C is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 1A after useand providing a colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the end effectorin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A cross sectional view of an end effector in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 2A afteruse and providing a colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the endeffector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3A is a top-down plan view of an end effector in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3Aincluding a magnified view of a portion.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a system including an end effector inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subjectmatter will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as adescription of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter andis not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageousover other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein arenot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter tothe precise forms disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides examples of end effectors and systemsincluding end effectors configured to provide indicia of a wear state ofthe end effector. In the examples of the end effectors and systems setforth in more detail below, several are provided that are configured toprovide colorimetric indicia of a wear state when an end effector isworn or otherwise no longer suitable for use.

Through use an end effector, such as a brush, a massager, an exfoliator,and applicator, and the like, may become worn, dirty, or otherwise readyfor replacement. Many conventional end effectors do not provide indiciaof a wear state. In this regard, such conventional end effectors do notindicate to a user when the end effector is ready for replacement.Accordingly, a user may use an end effector when the end effector isdirty and/or is structurally damaged and no longer able to performoptimally.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art,however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may bepracticed without some or all of the specific details. Further, it willbe appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ anycombination of features described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1D there is shown an example of an end effector100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS.1A-1D, end effector 100 includes a chamber 104 containing one or morebeads 101 disposed in an interior portion 112 of the chamber 104; and anoptically clear window 106 that separates the interior portion 112 froman outside environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or morebeads 101 have a coating 108 disposed on surface 110 configured toabrade with motion of the one or more beads 101. End effector 100further includes a base portion 116 coupleable to a motor (not shown,see FIG. 4) of an appliance (not shown, see FIG. 4) and configured toreceive motion from the motor. In this regard, the motor is configuredto move end effector 100, such as about axis 128, and agitate the one ormore beads 101.

As discussed further herein, the abrasion of the coating 108 providesindicia of a wear state of the end effector 100. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, end effector 100 includes a plurality ofbristles 102 configured, for example, to wash the face of a user.Through use, the end effector 100 may become worn and dirty requiringreplacement. However, without such indicia of a wear state a user maynot know when the end effector 100 should be replaced. The coatings,such as coating 108, in conjunction with other end effector 100components described further herein provide such indicia.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show end effector 100 in a first state, such as beforeuse of the end effector 100, in which coating 108 is intact and disposedon a surface 110 of a core of the one or more beads 101. FIGS. 1C and 1Dshow end effector 100 in a second state, such as after use, in whichcoating 108 has been abraded or otherwise removed from surface 110.Through movement of the end effector 100, such as by oscillatory orother motion received by the end effector 100 from a motor (not shown,see FIG. 4), coating 108 is abraded and falls off of surface 110.

In an embodiment, coating 108 has a color different from a color ofsurface 110. In this regard, through use of end effector 100 a colorchange may be observed by a user. Such a color change may be indicia ofa wear state of end effector 100 indicating, for example, that endeffector 100 should be replaced. In an embodiment, end effector 100 isstill useable, such as through coupling with a motor, after such a colorchange, although in a diminished capacity due to, for example, wear onthe wear of the bristles 102.

In an embodiment, surface 110 of the one or more beads 101 is smooth. Inthis regard, coating 108 is configured to abrade or fall off of surface110 in an even manner. Coatings disposed on uneven or rough surfacestend to abrade from such surfaces unevenly resulting in portions of suchsurfaces with coating intact even after significant motion. In thisregard, coating 108 disposed on a smooth, even surface 110 abrades witha predictable amount of use and end effectors 100 including such smoothsurfaces are configured to provide indicia of a wear state of the endeffector 100 at a predictable and accurate use interval.

In an embodiment, the one or more beads 101 have a first hardness andthe coating 108 has a second hardness that is lower than the firsthardness. Such a hardness gradient between the coating 108 and thesurface 110 also provides even and predictable abrasion of the coating108. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a softer,outward-facing coating 108 abrades more evenly with the surface 110supporting coating 108 is less likely to deform upon impact than coating108. Such predictable and even abrasion of coating 108 providespredictable and even indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more beads 101 are generallyspherical. In this regard, stresses due to, for example, impact as theone or beads 101 are agitated are more evenly distributed throughout theimpacted, generally spherical ball than if, for example, the bead hadsharp corners and generally flat portions. Such even dispersal of forcesover surface 110 and in coating 108 also provides an even abrasion ofcoating 108 from surface 110. As above, this provides predictable, evenindicia of a wear state of the end effector 100.

With predictable, even indicia of a wear state of an end effector 100,the end effector 100 is configured to provide the indicia at apredictable use interval. In this regard, the end effector 100 may bedesigned with a predetermined use interval, such as a use interval afterwhich replacement is recommended.

In the illustrated embodiment, coating 108 is disposed on the one ormore beads 101. In an embodiment, the coating 108 is a first coating 108having a first color and the end effector 100 further comprising asecond coating (not shown) disposed on a surface of the first coating108 having a second color different than the first color. As the secondcoating abrades, the color of the first coating 108 is revealed, thusproviding intermediate indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100.Through subsequent use, the first coating 108 is abraded, as discussedfurther herein, exposing surface 110 providing final indicia of a wearstate of the end effector 100. In this regard, end effector 100 isconfigured to provide number indicia of a wear state of end effector 100at various stages of use of the end effector 100.

In an embodiment, end effector 100 includes an abrasive auxiliaryelement 126 disposed in the chamber 104 and configured to augmentabrasion of coating 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the abrasiveauxiliary element 126 is dispersed amongst the one or more beads 101. Asthe end effector 100 oscillates, as in use washing the face of a user,the abrasive auxiliary element 126 is agitated and impinges upon coating108 and abrades or otherwise removes coating 108 from the surface 110.With the addition of the abrasive auxiliary element 126, coating 108abrades more quickly from surface 110 due to the increased number ofinteractions between the coating 108 and auxiliary abrasive element 126.

The abrasive auxiliary element 126 is abrasive and configured to abradethe coating 108. In an embodiment, the abrasive auxiliary element 126 isselected from the group consisting of sand, silica beads, portions ofwalnut shells, portions of apricot pits, and the like.

In an embodiment, the chamber 104 includes one or more apertures 119having a size smaller than a smallest dimension of the one or more beads101. As shown in FIG. 1D, as coating 108 is abraded from surface 110 itfalls through apertures 119 and out of chamber 104. Because apertures119 have a size smaller than a smallest dimension of the one or morebeads 101, the one or more beads 101 do not fall through the apertures119 and out of chamber 104. Coating 108 that is no longer coupled tosurface 110, however, is shown to have fallen through the apertures 119.In this regard, coating 108 no longer disposed on surface 110 does notimpinge upon coating 108 that is still coupled to surface 110.Accordingly, coating 108 abrades more evenly than if abraded coating 108no longer disposed on surface 110 were to remain in chamber 104.

In an embodiment, the coating is disposed on an interior area of theinterior portion of the end effector, wherein a coating configured toabrade with motion of the one or more beads. In that regard, attentionis directed to FIGS. 2A-2D, in which an end effector 200 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. In the illustratedembodiment, end effector 200 is shown to include chamber 204 containingone or more beads 201 disposed in an interior portion 212 of chamber204; an optically clear window 206 that separates interior portion 212from an outside environment; and a plurality of bristles 202 on baseportion 216 of end effector 200. As shown, coating 208 is disposed on aninterior area 214 of the interior portion 212 of chamber 204. In theillustrated embodiment, the optically clear window 206 has a first side214 facing the interior portion 212 and a second side 218 facing awayfrom the first side 214, and wherein the coating 208 is disposed on thefirst side 214. As end effector 200 oscillates or otherwise moves, suchas about axis 228, the one or more beads 201 are agitated in interiorportion 212 of chamber 204, such as during use of end effector 200, andimpinge upon coating 208. In so doing, coating 208 is abraded.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate end effector 200 in a first state, such asbefore use of the end effector 200, where coating 208 is disposed onfirst side 214 of optically clear window 206. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrateend effector 200 in a second state after use where coating 208 has beenabraded from first side 214 after being abraded by one or more beads201. As shown, chamber 204 includes the wall opposite 218 the opticallyclear window 206 including at least a portion of the wall 218 having acolor different than a color of the coating 208. Such a portion of wall218 can provide indicia of a wear state of the end effector 200. In theillustrated embodiment, the indicia include an X-shaped portionindicating the end effector 200 should be replaced. While an X-shapedportion is illustrated, it will be understood that other indicia of awear state can be included in the end effectors 200 of the presentdisclosure, including for example written phrases, drawings, and thelike.

In an embodiment, the chamber is disposed around at least a portion of acircumference or a periphery of the end effector and at least one of theone or more beads is in the form of a puck slideably disposed within thechamber. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGS. 3A and 3B, inwhich an end effector 300 in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure is illustrated. As shown, end effector 300 includes chamber304 containing one or more beads 301 disposed in an interior portion 312of the chamber 304; optically clear window 306 that separates theinterior portion 312 from an outside environment, where chamber 304 isdisposed around a periphery 322 of end effector 300; and a plurality ofbristles 302 disposed on base portion 316 of end effector 300. As endeffector 300 oscillates, such as about central axis 328, puck 301 slidesrelative to sides of chamber 304. As shown, puck 301 is disposed distalfrom central axis 328 and in this regard, puck 301 moves relative baseportion 316 of end effector 300. As a result, coating 308 disposed onsurface 310 of puck 301 is abraded.

In an embodiment, the puck 301 is disc shaped. In an embodiment, thepuck 301 is toroidal, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In an embodiment, thepuck 301 is a portion of a toroid forming an arc or other portion of acomplete circle.

In an embodiment, interior portion 312 of the chamber 304 includes anabrasive surface 324 configured to abrade the coating 308, as shown inFIG. 3B. As puck 301 slides within chamber 304 against abrasive surface324, coating 308 is abraded from surface 310. In the illustratedembodiment, abrasive surface 324 is disposed on all interior surfaces ofchamber 304; however, abrasive surface 324 may be disposed on fewer thanall interior surfaces of chamber 304. In an embodiment, the abrasivesurface 324 is optically clear so that coating 308 and surface 310 isvisible by a user. As shown, end effector 300 includes windows 306A and306B through which a user can view coating 308 and, when coating 308 hasbeen abraded from puck 301 is abraded, surface 310. In that regard, auser can view indicia of a wear state of end effector 300.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system, such as forfacial grooming, including an appliance including a motor; and an endeffector coupleable to the motor and configured to receive motion fromthe motor. In that regard, attention is directed to FIG. 4, in which asystem 403 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure isillustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 403 includesappliance 405 including a motor 407; and end effector 400 coupleable tothe motor 407 and configured to receive motion from the motor 407. Incertain embodiments, end effector 400 is an example of end effectors,100, 200, and/or 300. As shown, end effector 400 includes chamber 404containing one or more beads 401 and abrasive auxiliary element 426disposed in an interior portion 412 of the chamber 404; a plurality ofbristles 402 coupled to base portion 416, and optically clear window 406that separates interior portion 412 from outside environment. Asdiscussed further herein, one or more beads 401 or an interior area ofthe interior portion 412 have a coating (not shown, see FIGS. 1A and 2A)configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads 401.

As discussed further herein, motion of the motor 407 is configured toinduce motion in the end effector 400, such as oscillatory motion aboutan axis 428 of end effector 400. In an embodiment, chamber 404 isdisposed on a portion of the end effector 400 distal from the axis, suchas adjacent to or about a periphery of end effector 400. In this regard,as end effector 400 receives the oscillatory motion from motor 407, theone or more beads 401 are agitated to a greater degree than if they weredisposed more closely to the central axis 428 due to the greateroscillation displacement of the one or more beads 401 at the peripheryof end effector 400.

While oscillation about a single central axis 428 is described, it willbe understood that motor 407 may be configured to provide other forms ofmotion to end effector 400. For example, motor 407 may be configured toprovide types of motion selected from the group consisting of cyclic,reciprocal, oscillatory, and combinations thereof. In all cases, themotion induced by motor 407 agitates the one or more beads 401 disposedin end effector 400 thus abrading coating 408 disposed thereon.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminologysuch as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,”“outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should beconstrued as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimedsubject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the itemslisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and“mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompassdirect and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. The term“about” means plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to beprotected are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, as claimed.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

1. An end effector for a face brush, comprising: a chamber containingone or more beads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and anoptically clear window that separates the interior portion from anoutside environment, wherein the one or more beads or an interior areaof the interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motionof the one or more beads.
 2. The end effector of claim 1, wherein thecoating is disposed on a surface of the one or more beads and has afirst color, and wherein the surface of the one or more beads has asecond color different from the first color.
 3. The end effector ofclaim 2, wherein the surface of the one or more beads is smooth.
 4. Theend effector of claim 2, wherein the one or more beads have a firsthardness and the coating has a second hardness that is lower than thefirst hardness.
 5. The end effector of claim 2, wherein the one or morebeads are generally spherical.
 6. The end effector of claim 1, whereinthe optically clear window has a first side facing the interior portionand a second side facing away from the first side, and wherein thecoating is disposed on the first side.
 7. The end effector of claim 6,wherein the chamber includes a wall opposite the optically clear window,and wherein at least a portion of the wall has a color different than acolor of the coating.
 8. The end effector of claim 6, wherein the secondside of the optically clear window includes a portion having a color. 9.The end effector of claim 8, wherein the portion of the second side isin a form of indicia of a wear state of the end effector.
 10. The endeffector of claim 1, wherein the chamber is disposed around at least aportion of a circumference of the end effector, and wherein one of theone or more beads is in the form of a puck slideably disposed within thechamber.
 11. The end effector of claim 10, wherein the coating isdisposed on a surface of the puck.
 12. The end effector of claim 10,wherein the interior portion of the chamber includes an abrasive surfaceconfigured to abrade the coating.
 13. The end effector of claim 1,further comprising an abrasive auxiliary element disposed in the chamberand configured to abrade the coating.
 14. The end effector of claim 1,wherein the chamber includes one or more apertures having a size smallerthan a smallest dimension of the one or more beads.
 15. The end effectorof claim 1, wherein the coating is disposed on the one or more beads,wherein the coating is a first coating having a first color, the endeffector further comprising a second coating having a second colordifferent than the first color, and wherein the second coating isdisposed on a surface of the first coating.
 16. The end effector ofclaim 1, wherein the end effector includes a base portion coupleable toa motor of an appliance and configured to receive motion from the motor.17. A system for facial grooming comprising: an appliance including amotor; and an end effector coupleable to the motor and configured toreceive motion from the motor, the end effector comprising: a chambercontaining one or more beads disposed in an interior portion of thechamber; and an optically clear window that separates the interiorportion from outside environment, wherein the one or more beads or aninterior area of the interior portion have a coating configured toabrade with motion of the one or more beads.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the motion of the motor is configured to induce motion in theend effector about an axis, and wherein the chamber is disposed on aportion of the end effector distal from the axis.
 19. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the coating is disposed on a surface of the one ormore beads and has a first color, wherein the surface of the one or morebeads has a second color different from the first color.
 20. The systemof claim 17, wherein the optically clear window has a first side facingthe interior portion and a second side facing away from the first side,and wherein the coating is disposed on the first side.